Fire Announce Academy Tryouts

CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club today announced the tryout date for the 2012/2013 U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy teams. Set for Tuesday, July 10 at the Toyota Park Turf Field, the tryout sessions will be held for players at the U-18 and U-16 age levels.

Founded in 2007 as part of Major League Soccer’s Home Grown Initiative, Developmental Academy members that spend a minimum of two years in the Chicago Fire's Player Development program are eligible to be signed directly by the club, rather than enter the MLS SuperDraft where they can be selected by any of the league's teams.

The Fire currently have two Home Grown players on the roster, midfielder Victor Pineda and forward Kellen Gulley.

“We’re excited to kick off our sixth Academy season and build off the success our Development Academy teams have had over the past few seasons,” said Chicago Fire Academy Director Larry Sunderland. “The Home Grown Initiative allows us to further our reach and develop area talent into future Fire professionals. We have already had two of our players sign professional contracts, and we hope to see that number grow in the coming years.”

Fully funded by the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, the Academy's only criteria for selection is a player's ability and potential along with a desire to become a professional athlete. Information on the tryouts can be found at //www.chicago-fire.com/development/academytryouts.